DETROIT, MI — State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba was recently honored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) with the very first "Transportation and Infrastructure Special Interest Group Lifetime Achievement Award." He earned the recognition at the NSBE's 45th annual convention held in Detroit.
The new award celebrates industry trailblazers who exemplify outstanding contributions in the field of transportation, and those highly motivated leaders who have achieved goals during their career by positively impacting and advancing the industry of transportation and infrastructure. This is the NSBE Transportation and Infrastructure Special Interest Group's highest individual achievement.
"I am truly humbled to be the very first person to receive this high honor by an exceptional organization," Ajegba said. "Together with my colleagues in the industry, I hope we can inspire the next generation of students to become future engineers." 
Ajegba was selected because of his efforts in creating the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Diversity Recruitment Program, which is a partnership between MDOT and colleges and universities throughout the state. The program offers on-the-job training and job shadowing to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering and other transportation-related careers.
NSBE also recognized Ajegba for his 28 years of experience with MDOT, where he previously served three months as Metro Region Engineer and before that as University Region Engineer. Ajegba was praised for his involvement in the planning, design and construction of several major projects.
"As a Professional Engineer, Mr. Ajegba represents many of us in NSBE in the profession of civil engineering because he truly understands the transportation and infrastructure industry. …," said Tajudeen A. Bakare, Founder of the NSBE Transportation and Infrastructure Special Interest Group, and Principal and Chief Engineer with CT Consultants. "We are presenting him with this award to show our appreciation and respect for his upbringing, journey from 'motherland and heart of Africa,' education, leadership, professional expertise and, finally, for his distinguished contribution to our industry of transportation."